Monthly Archives: November 2015

We can most definitely say, “Summer is now behind us.” And for those of you who may not know me so well… that is a huge bummer. I love the warmth… the heat. Waking up to nearly freezing temperatures is no fun for me. Yet, I will not complain, but I will rejoice in this day the Lord has made… and YES, I am glad in it. I’m also glad for furnaces and fireplaces. I now need to split some wood in the back yard behind our garage to burn in the fireplace. I do like chopping wood.

Well, it’s taking me a while to begin settling down. I’m learning the freeway systems in and around L.A. As I was on the road the other day I began to count, in my mind, the number of freeways and highways we have on the district. I lost count at around 25. Needless to say, there are a ton! But here’s a note of praise: Many places I’ve gone, I have heard that businesses and companies are leaving LA… leaving California. But the funny thing is… why are the only ones remaining behind ONLY on the same freeway, at the same time, as me? The traffic is as great as ever. And I think it is like that all over the SoCal area. There are still new construction sites going on… new developments… which lead me to one great truth: We have lots of people still living and working around us who need Jesus. People may have left… but there are still a whole lot of people living here. That’s good news as we are called to share the Gospel!I am thankful for the district team of leaders the Lord is blessing me with today. As you can see above… I am encouraged to be working with this fine group… your district staff: From left to right would you welcome this fine team? John Lee (Korean Coordinator), Shay Pierson (Office Manager & Ministry Assistant), David Moyer (Treasurer), Greg Garman (District Superintendent), Felix Lam (Chinese Coordinator), and Josue Tiguila’ (Spanish Coordinator).

And we are most blessed to have as a volunteer assisting us in the office, Priscilla Graves, serving several days a week. She is such a great and vital part to the district!

ENCOURAGEMENT: “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:21) These are words we all like to hear. A child loves to hear this comment from a parent. Students love to hear this from teachers. Athletes like it when the coach speaks in these terms. An employee loves it when the boss encourages them with these words. All of us, without exception, like to receive encouragement. In this passage, Jesus reminds us that one day we all want to hear our Master speak to us, “Well done!”

This past Sunday I had the privilege of visiting the Glendora Church of the Nazarene with Pastor Mike Platter. It was ALL SAINTS REMEMBRANCE DAY, where the church annually has a time in which they call: Naming the Names. That is, taking time to remember those who have passed on from this earthly dwelling place to their heavenly home. I sat and listened to one after another stand to give testimony of an influential person in their life who had passed on only to hear the words of Jesus, “Well done!” This time was especially meaningful to me as I was able to stand and give testimony to my brother’s life, who left us only two and half months ago.

This coming Sunday, November 8, has been, for a number of years, designated as the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church Sunday. I have been reading several stories of those who have been persecuted for the cause of Christ… and I am humbled by all the Lord has done for me, and continues to do in my life. I’ve been listening to story after story on Christian radio of those working in Creative Access Areas. And today, many of our brothers and sisters in the Lord are suffering… PERSECUTED for Jesus.

I hope that you will take a few moments this Sunday, and remember those pastors, layman, children, evangelists, church planters… being persecuted today. Some may never see their families again this side of heaven. But they WILL hear the Master say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

PRAYER NEEDS: Gordon and Pat Johnston, retired missionaries now residing in Casa Robles are in need of our prayer. Gordon has been in and out of the hospital… but PTL has been discharged and is now home. On Monday Pat had a massive heart attack and continues to remain hospitalized in a comatose state.

LOS ANGELES DISTRICT WEB PAGE: We are excited to share with you that the website is up and running. There may be a few items that we are still working on, but you may access further information by going to www.nazla.org

EVENTS AND CALENDAR:

Saturday, November 7, Conferencia de Liderazgo Transformacional held at Rosemead Church from 9:00-3:00.